5 Best Rice Cookers Under 100 for 2026

If you’re on the hunt for a reliable rice cooker under $100 in 2026, you’ll find that many models now pack surprising features—like automatic “Keep Warm” functions, steaming baskets, and non-stick pots with dishwasher-safe ease—all in a compact size that fits small kitchens or busy lifestyles. While these budget-friendly options can seem simple, they often deliver consistent results, cooking 3 to 6 cups of rice with little fuss. Curious about which models stand out and why, especially when durability and performance matter?

Elite Gourmet Electric Rice Cooker with Keep Warm

Looking for a rice cooker that’s simple and affordable? The Elite Gourmet Electric Rice Cooker with Keep Warm is a great choice. It can cook up to 6 cups of rice, which works well for families or leftovers. Once the rice is done, it automatically switches to “Keep Warm,” so your rice stays hot and fresh for hours. No need to reheat in the microwave.

The cooker has a non-stick aluminum pot that makes cleaning easy. It also has cool-touch handles so you can carry it safely. It is lightweight, weighing just 2.65 pounds, so it’s small enough to store easily. Whether you are cooking jasmine, brown, or sushi rice, this rice cooker gives consistent results every time.

This model is a simple and reliable tool for everyday meals. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants rice without fuss.

Pros:

• Cooks rice automatically and keeps it warm without extra work
• Small and light, easy to handle and store
• Non-stick pot makes cleaning quick and simple

Cons:

• Hand washing is best; it’s not dishwasher safe
• Might not be big enough for very large families
• Lacks some fancy features found on high-end cookers

If you want a straightforward, affordable rice cooker that does the job well, this is a solid pick.

BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket

The BLACK+DECKER 6-Cup Rice Cooker with Steaming Basket is a simple and handy kitchen tool. It can cook about 6 cups of rice, which is enough for small families or just a few people. You put in the rice and water, turn it on, and it does the rest. After about 20 to 30 minutes, it switches to keep warm. This keeps your rice fluffy and ready to eat.

The rice cooker also comes with a steaming basket. You can use it to steam vegetables or seafood while your rice cooks below. That means you can make a meal with several parts at the same time.

This device is small and light. It weighs around 3.76 pounds and measures about 10 by 9 inches. It is easy to clean because it has nonstick parts that are safe for dishwasher use. It also has a steam vent safety feature to let out steam safely.

This rice cooker is good for people or small families who want an affordable and easy-to-use cooker. It’s great for daily meals and simple cooking.

However, it has some limits. It only cooks up to 6 cups of rice, so it might not work well for larger families. It also does not have fancy cooking options or programmable settings. Sometimes, it might take longer to cook more rice depending on the type of rice and how much water you use.

Aroma 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Soup Maker

Aroma’s 3-Cup Rice Cooker and Soup Maker is a small, easy-to-use kitchen gadget. It’s perfect for tiny households or for anyone who wants simple cooking without a lot of fuss. The cooker can hold 1.5 quarts, which means it makes enough rice for about 3 cups of raw rice. When cooked, that turns into 6 cups of fluffy rice. It also automatically switches to the Keep Warm mode. This means your rice stays warm and ready when you want it.

The rice cooker has a ceramic nonstick pot. It’s easy to clean and free from harmful chemicals called PFAS. Using this cooker is simple because it has just one button to turn it on. It also comes with a measuring cup and spatula, so you can easily make your meal.

This gadget is small but does a good job. It’s great if you want quick, dependable rice or simple meals. It’s best for small families, singles, or anyone needing a tiny, easy device.

Pros:

• Small enough to fit in small kitchens or for taking on the go
• Easy to use with just one button
• Nonstick ceramic pot is simple to clean and safe

Cons:

• Not big enough for large families or big gatherings
• Mainly good for rice and simple dishes, not for complex recipes
• Might not handle heavy cooking needs

If you want an easy, compact rice cooker for quick meals, this is a good choice.

AROMA 3-Cup Rice Cooker with Keep Warm Function

Looking for a small, reliable rice cooker that’s easy to use? The Aroma 3-Cup Rice Cooker with Keep Warm Feature might be just what you need. It can cook up to six cups of rice from just three uncooked cups. So, it’s perfect for small families or people who cook for themselves.

This rice cooker has a simple one-button operation. When the rice is done, it automatically switches to “Keep Warm” mode. That keeps your rice fluffy and ready to eat whenever you want. The inner pot is non-stick and BPA-free. It’s also dishwasher-safe, so cleaning up is quick and easy.

You can also use this rice cooker to make oatmeal, soups, or one-pot meals. It’s a versatile helper in your kitchen. The 300-watt power means it might take a little longer to cook, but it still makes good rice every time.

This small cooker doesn’t take up much space on your counter. It’s lightweight and easy to store. The only downside is that it has a small capacity, so it’s not a good choice for big gatherings. It also doesn’t have fancy features like timers or programmable settings.

Best For: Small households or people who want a simple, compact rice cooker that’s easy to use and helps with different meals.

Pros:

• Simple to use with an automatic “Keep Warm” feature.
• Small size fits well in tiny kitchens.
• Dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning easy.

Cons:

• Not big enough for large groups.
• Might take longer to cook than higher-watt models.
• Lacks advanced features like timers.

Aroma 4-Cup Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer

Looking for a simple and affordable rice cooker that does more than just cook white rice? The Aroma 4-Cup Digital Rice Cooker and Steamer could be just what you need. It has a 4-cup uncooked capacity, which means it can make up to 8 cups of cooked rice. It’s easy to use, thanks to its digital control panel. The cooker has a special Sensor Logic Technology that makes sure your rice comes out fluffy every time.

You can also steam vegetables or meat at the same time you cook rice. Plus, the Flash Rice function cuts cooking time in half, so your meal is ready faster. You can set a timer up to 15 hours in advance, making meal planning easier. When your food is ready, the automatic Keep Warm mode keeps it hot until you’re ready to eat.

Best For: People who want an affordable, versatile rice cooker that can make different grains and meals easily with precise controls.

Pros:

• Simple digital controls with preset options for rice, grains, and steaming
• Sensor Logic Technology helps make fluffy rice every time
• Can cook rice, vegetables, and meats at once

Cons:

• The cooker’s small size is best for a small family or one person
• You might need to try different settings to learn how to use all features
• It doesn’t have fancy stovetop or convection cooking features

This rice cooker is great if you want an easy way to cook rice and other foods. It saves time and gives consistent results. It’s perfect for small households or anyone who wants a simple, reliable kitchen helper.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rice Cooker Under 100

When choosing a rice cooker under $100, you should first evaluate how much rice you typically cook—whether it’s for individuals, small families, or gathering friends for a dinner party. You’ll also want to contemplate essential features like automatic warming, multiple cook settings, and whether it can handle different grains, as these can considerably impact convenience and versatility. Finally, don’t overlook aspects like ease of cleaning, compact design, and brand reliability, because a well-built, easy-to-maintain model can save you frustration and keep your rice consistently perfect.

Cooking Capacity Needs

Your typical number of servings affects what size rice cooker you should buy, especially if you’re trying to stay under $100. Most budget rice cookers can make between 3 and 6 cups of cooked rice. This size works well if you are cooking for one person or a small family. Remember, the amount of rice you need to start with is about half or two-thirds of what you want cooked. So, for one batch, you’ll need about 1.5 to 4 cups of raw rice.

If you often serve many people, a larger rice cooker might seem good. But bigger models take up more space on your counter. If you mostly cook just for yourself, a smaller cooker is more space-friendly.

Pick a size that fits your daily needs. Don’t buy a big, heavy cooker if you only cook small amounts. The right size makes cooking easier and faster.

Key Functionality Features

Choosing a rice cooker that works well and is easy to use can make cooking rice a lot better. Look for models with an automatic “Keep Warm” setting. This feature keeps your rice hot and fresh until you’re ready to eat. Make sure the cooker has clear measurements. Usually, 1 cup of rice needs about 1.5 cups of water. This helps you get the same good texture every time. Some rice cookers can do more than just cook rice. They can steam vegetables, make soups, or cook grains. This makes them more useful in your kitchen. Keep it simple. Pick a cooker with easy buttons, one-touch options, or simple controls. Also, choose a rice cooker with a removable bowl that can go in the dishwasher. That makes cleaning quick and easy. When you pick a rice cooker with these features, you get good results easily, and it saves you time in the kitchen.

Ease Of Cleaning

Cleaning your rice cooker should be simple. Pick a model with a non-stick inner pot. This helps prevent rice from sticking and makes washing easier. Look for parts like the lid and inner bowl that can go in the dishwasher. This saves you time and effort. Choose a rice cooker with smooth, sealed surfaces. These are easier to keep clean and stain-free. Check if the lid comes apart easily. Taking it off helps you clean every part completely. Avoid models with tiny crevices or hard-to-reach spots. These trap mess and are tough to clean. A rice cooker that’s easy to clean will save you time. It also makes cooking a lot more fun and fuss-free.

Design And Size

When choosing a rice cooker for less than $100, it’s important to think about how it looks and how big it is. A small cooker, about 10 inches wide and 8 inches tall, will fit easily on your counter and won’t make your kitchen messy. Look for a shape that saves space, like square or rectangular. These shapes usually fit better in tight spots. Round cookers can be bigger and harder to store.

Check how much it weighs, too. A rice cooker under 4 pounds is easier to carry and put away when you’re not using it. A simple, sleek design with easy buttons makes it quick to use. A clear lid lets you see inside without lifting it too often.

If the rice cooker is too big, it will take up a lot of space. If it’s too small, it might not make enough rice for everyone. Find a size and shape that works best for how many people you cook for and how your kitchen is set up. Picking the right design makes cooking easier and keeps your kitchen tidy.

Brand Reliability

When you pick a cheap rice cooker, it’s smart to choose one from a trusted brand. Good brands usually make products that last a long time and cook rice well. They make sure the rice is cooked evenly and doesn’t burn. Trusted brands also give better customer service and warranties. If your rice cooker breaks, it’s easier to get parts or fixes.

People’s reviews and star ratings help show if a brand is good. If many people say it works well and lasts a long time, it’s a safer choice. Big brands also follow safety rules. They make products that are less likely to have problems with electricity or break down easily.

Choosing a reliable brand saves you money and stress. You won’t have to buy a new one every year. It’s a simple way to get good, cooked rice without surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Budget Rice Cookers Durable and Long-Lasting?

Budget rice cookers can be durable if you choose reputable brands and handle them carefully. While they might not last as long as premium models, many affordable options still provide reliable performance for everyday cooking needs.

Can These Rice Cookers Handle Different Types of Rice?

Yes, these affordable rice cookers can handle various rice types like white, brown, and jasmine. They often feature adjustable settings, so you can cook different rice textures perfectly without worry.

Do They Come With Warranties or Customer Support?

Most rice cookers under $100 come with warranties, often one year, and customer support. You should check each product’s details, as support varies, but reputable brands generally offer decent warranties and responsive customer service.

Are Non-Stick Interiors Safe and Easy to Clean?

Non-stick interiors are generally safe if they’re made from high-quality materials like PTFE or ceramic coatings. They’re easy to clean, requiring simple wiping or gentle scrubbing, but avoid abrasive tools to preserve the coating’s longevity.

Do These Models Include Additional Features Like Timers?

Yes, many models under $100 include timers, allowing you to set cooking times in advance. You just need to check each specific model’s features, as some come with more functions than others for added convenience.